With trailer brakes and a weight distributing hitch it is remarkably "un-sporty". Just did 3000 miles in a 2 door 2.3 and it worked way better than it had any right to.Pretty sure everyone is in agreement that the limiting factor for towing is the rear suspension. The Ranger has the same engine and is rated at 7500 lbs.
Towing that long a trailer might be a bit "sporty" in a short wheelbase 2-door though.
It started to try and get a little jiggy with it a couple times coming down some 8% grades but a quick application of the trailer brakes calmed things right down. This was towing an 18 foot car hauler at max-ish weight.
The 10 speed auto is fantastic holding downshifts to control descent speeds and the 2.3 has plenty of scoot. One of our fave moments was passing a Chevy diesel with a medium sized bumper pull on it going up a 5 or 6% grade. (he may have had a stupid tune or something, but that changes none of my joy)
We stayed off the interstates and held her at 60-65 mostly for mileage reasons as you can watch the needle drop at a pretty good clip as the speeds go up. Made around 200 miles per tank fully loaded.
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